Nerd Nite Edmonton #36: The Fall of the Nerds! Sept. 6th!

Need something else to get excited about in September? Yes it’s back to school but it’s also the return of Nerd Nite Edmonton! Their next event features talks about Stem Cells, Death & Decolonizing Science & Technology. Tickets don’t go on sale until Aug. 21 (so you might have a chance to get one before it sells out this time!).

We’re back for another fun-filled season of interesting discussions, strange and fascinating topics and a community of fabulous Edmontonians who like combining education with potent potables! We’re working on some great new programming this season we’re going to be trying out, and we’ll be welcoming a new Nerd Boss into the fold. You won’t want to miss this season opener — it’ll be a doozy!

What Can Stem Cells Do For You? Like, Actually DoAlison Müller

Generalization about scientific discovery happens in the media regularly; however, in this era of stem cell science, the hyperbolizing of its potential in medicine coupled with its potential ethical implications has brought stem cell technology to forefront of popular science. This talk will explore the realistic possibilities of stem cell technology (which are still completely awesome!) as well as clarify the ethics around their use. Don’t worry, it’s much more exciting that it may initially appear, because SCIENCE!

Alison Müller, MSc, is a PhD Candidate in the Physiology Department at the University of Alberta. Her work with stem cells in patients with heart disease made her realize how little people actually knew about stem cells. As a result, she aims to educate others and has presented panels at the Edmonton and Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expos on science fiction inspired science fact with a focus on novel medical technologies. She also volunteers her time doing STEM outreach with kids with the national non-profit Let’s Talk Science where she can share her love of science with everyone! She was awarded the Alberta Graduate Citizenship Award for her community engagement.

Wormfood: Death Positivity vs Our Fear of DeathDylan Richards

You are going to die. You, all of the people you love, the person sitting next to you right now, will all one day be food for worms. Death and everything about it terrifies most of us. But have you ever asked yourself why? When did our fear of the end of life, the common unifier of us all, become so ingrained? Is our fear of the Grim Reaper something we’ve always had, or something we learned along the way? Come with us as we take a look at what death and dying really means around the world, some common misconceptions about the end of our life, and how we can maybe learn to greet Death as an old friend.

Storyteller, activist, sex educator, and Death Positivity advocate, Dylan Richards brings his passion for helping people discover what makes them shine to classrooms, boardrooms, and gatherings around North America. Dylan loves to bring his stories and experience to every topic he tackles, from sexuality to spirituality to spaghetti (well, cooking in general but then it wouldn’t be as poetic).

Decolonizing Science & TechnologyKim TallBear

Indigenous peoples are usually at the receiving end of the scientific gaze. Settler states such as the US and Canada govern through science and technology that grows in part from social and political ideas of Indigenous peoples as populations on the verge of extinction. Assimilation has been pushed on those who remain. My work challenges colonial biomedical and technology interventions aimed at Indigenous populations. I study Indigenous resistance to such research, including genetics research, and I promote Indigenous efforts to govern and transform science and technology in ways that benefit our peoples rather than do us harm.

Kim TallBear is Associate Professor of Native Studies and the Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Peoples, Technoscience and Environment at the University of Alberta. In a previous professional life she was an environmental planner and policy specialist for US federal agencies and tribal governments. She also produces the sexy storytelling show, Tipi Confessions, which will make its Needle Vinyl Tavern premier on October 30.